Recent events could certainly inspire an interesting and potentially animated conversation about leadership. Such events provide important opportunities to consider: What makes a good leader? What expectations come with leadership? To what extent does a potential leader’s character and charism play in that leadership? What happens when a leader abuses that leadership in ways that cause harm? We have lots of examples today and throughout history from which to engage in reflection about the topic.
King David is a pivotal character in the story of the Israelites. He was the youngest son of Jesse, a shepherd by training. When the prophet Samuel was sent to Jesse’s family, he learned that David was chosen by God and so David was anointed to signify God’s blessing on the role he would play. David defeated Goliath and eventually became king of Israel. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He provided leadership during significant battles. His stories are legendary. Many of his prayers and reflections are found in the Book of Psalms.
There is great respect for King David throughout the history of the Jewish people and yet, we also have today’s story with which to struggle. It is a reminder that David was a human being who gave in to his baser instincts when he saw Bathsheba bathing. He used his power to do what he wanted with her. When that led to her becoming pregnant, he tried to manipulate her husband, Uriah, to be with her so that parentage would not present a problem. When Uriah proved honourable, and would not use the opportunity for such luxuries, David had him carry his own death warrant back to the front of the battle.
The great King David was deeply flawed. He made very bad choices. When confronted with this truth, David does lament and repent, which says something about his character. That David is redeemed despite his shortcomings, says something about God’s character.
The stories contained in the Bible are meant to do more than record the history of the Israelites. These stories are designed to illuminate the relationships between the people and God. God knows David at his best and at his worst and yet, God keeps the promises God has made.
This includes the promise heard in last week’s reading:
Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me.
God promised that, from the line of King David, will come the Messiah, the anointed one, the Christ, who will reveal the wonder and grace of the Kingdom of God. Despite David’s shortcomings, God kept that promise, showing how deep God’s mercy, compassion, and forgiveness can go. Jesus, born in the line of King David, is the one who truly redeems not only David, but the world!
The fulfillment of this promise invites further reflection about leadership and about humanity. Jesus, as the Messiah, is a leader who doesn’t manipulate or abuse his powers. Jesus shows how to lead with compassion, respect, and love. He also forgives, a lot! That forgiveness includes a challenge to do better and be better as individuals and leaders. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus shows how we are all called to build relationships, challenge abuses of power and invite transformation.
Jesus comes through the line of David, redeeming David and the world because Jesus is the Word made flesh, the Messiah, the One who shows the difference love makes in all our relationships. In him and through him, we are invited into the wonder, grace, and love of a new Kingdom, the Kingdom of God, a place where we can hold leaders, and ourselves accountable for living with love.
Jesus has shown us the way. It is up to us to choose to follow Jesus so that we can do better and be better. May we continually challenge ourselves, hold ourselves accountable, and make choices that hold others accountable for doing what is right and good in this world following Jesus’s example. This we pray as we sing: (VT) 743 Just a Closer Walk with Thee